Dog-in-fridge viral photo in South Korea sparks viral backlash; authorities launch investigation
• A photograph of a small dog inside a restaurant's refrigerator in South Korea went viral, prompting a police investigation into alleged animal abuse
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• The dog's owner claimed she placed her 11-year-old Maltese, which has acute heart issues, in the fridge to prevent it from overheating after the restaurant's air-conditioning failed
• Animal rights groups have adopted a more reserved stance, acknowledging the owner's explanation while advising against the dangerous practice
• The case has sparked a debate on pet care during heatwaves and is being investigated under South Korea's Animal Protection Act
A photograph of a small dog inside a restaurant's glass-door refrigerator in South Korea has triggered a heated debate and a police investigation into potential animal abuse.
Source: UGC
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While the image initially sparked outrage on social media, the dog's owner has since provided a detailed explanation, which has prompted animal rights groups to adopt a more cautious stance on the matter.
The Busan Jungbu Police Station launched an investigation on July 29 after receiving a report of a dog allegedly being kept inside a refrigerator at a local pizza restaurant.
The image, which quickly went viral, showed a small, white dog positioned among various food items and sauces.
Police who visited the scene confirmed the dog's presence but noted that the fridge's temperature was "not very low," suggesting it was not a deep-freezing unit.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine if the dog's owner, identified as a woman in her 60s, violated the country's Animal Protection Act.
In her defense, the owner explained that the dog, an 11-year-old Maltese named Cookie, suffers from acute heart issues.
She claims that her veterinarian had previously warned her that exposure to extreme heat could be fatal to the animal.
The restaurant's air-conditioning system had broken down, and in a desperate attempt to keep Cookie cool, the owner placed a cushion inside the refrigerator and allowed the dog to sit there for brief, supervised periods.
"She's like my daughter," the owner told local media, expressing her regret for the distress caused and apologizing for the perceived lack of hygiene.
The incident highlights a critical issue for small, long-haired dogs like the Maltese, which are particularly susceptible to overheating.
Their thick coats prevent effective heat dissipation, making them prone to conditions like heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.
This medical context has shifted the perspective of some animal welfare advocates. Mr. Sim In-seop, the head of the local animal rights group Live in Freedom and Equality, acknowledged the owner's explanation.
He noted that while her actions may not have been the best practice, there appeared to be no deliberate intent to harm the animal.
Experts, meanwhile, suggest safer alternatives for cooling pets, such as cooling pads or vests, rather than placing them in a refrigerator where they risk oxygen deprivation and potential injury.
While the police investigation continues, the case has ignited a broader discussion about pet care, especially in areas experiencing intense heatwaves.
It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking professional advice and using safe, approved methods to ensure the well-being of pets, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The outcome of the police investigation will likely set a precedent for similar cases and further define the boundaries of animal welfare under South Korean law.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories that people could easily understand and relate in their lives.
In other news, authorities seized around P680,000 worth of suspected shabu from two drug suspects, including a 68-year-old high-value individual (HVI), in a buy-bust operation in Cainta, Rizal. The suspects, identified as “Babeng” (68) and “Pusit” (37), were arrested around 2 a.m. in Barangay San Andres by the Cainta Municipal Police Station’s Drug Enforcement Team. Confiscated items included 100 grams of suspected shabu, a coin purse, P500 in marked money, and P1,500 in suspected drug money. The Rizal PPO vowed to intensify anti-drug operations under Col. Feloteo A. Gonzalgo’s leadership, emphasizing their relentless fight against illegal drug5 in the community.
Still in other news, a man was caught on video convulsing after smoking a “tuklaw” cigarette offered by an unidentified rider in Taguig City. The victim was rushed to the hospital while authorities launched a manhunt for the suspect. “Tuklaw” is a herb-based cigarette from Vietnam known for its dangerously high nicotine content, which can trigger seizures. Taguig police are intensifying efforts to crack down on the sale and distribution of “tuklaw” to prevent further incidents.
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